History of the Federal Estate Tax

The history of estate taxes in America has been a long and winding road. Careful estate planning is still one of the most important ways to manage and protect your assets for your heirs.

The Stamp Act of 1797 was the first federal estate tax in the United States and was passed to help fund an undeclared war with France; it was repealed in 1802. The Revenue Act of 1862 reinstated the estate tax in order to fund the Civil War; it was abolished in 1870. To finance the Spanish American War, the War Revenue Act of 1898 was passed, and subsequently abolished in 1902. Due to the costs of World War I, the Revenue Act of 1916 reinstated an estate tax that, in some form or other, has been in effect ever since.

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 gradually increased the federal estate tax exemption, until finally repealing the federal estate tax altogether for the 2010 tax year only. The 2010 Tax Relief Act reinstated the federal estate tax with a $5 million exemption (indexed for inflation after 2011) through December 31, 2012. The federal estate tax exemption is $5.12 million in 2012.

Unless Congress acts to amend or extend this latest tax law, the estate tax will revert to pre-2001 tax law rates, with a $1 million exemption and a top tax rate of 55%.

The information in this article is not intended to be tax or legal advice, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek tax or legal advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Emerald. © 2012 Emerald Connect, Inc.

Links to other sites are for your convenience in locating related information and services. This Agency, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) and Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS) do not maintain these other sites and have no control over the organizations that maintain the sites or the information, products or services these organizations provide. Although this Agency, Guardian and PAS believe that the information from these organizations is reliable, we cannot guarantee its completeness or suitability for any purpose. Accordingly, this Agency, Guardian and PAS expressly disclaim any responsibility for the content the accuracy of the information or the quality of products or services provided by the organizations that maintain these sites. This Agency, Guardian and PAS do not recommend or endorse these organizations or their products or services in any way.

The information or opinions contained in this Internet site should not be constructed by any consumer and/or prospective client as an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any particular investment product. The information contained herein is directed solely to those individuals who reside in jurisdictions in which the representative is registered in the state where the consumer and/or prospective client reside. Any subsequent direct communication with a consumer and/or prospective client shall only be conducted by a representative that is registered in the state where the consumer and/or prospective client reside.

Annette Hammortree is insurance licensed and registered to offer products and services in: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Annette Hammortree is securities licensed in: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming and is strictly intended for individuals residing in those states. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these specified states

Annette Hammortree is an IAR (Investment Advisor Representative) licensed in: Florida, Illinois,Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Wisconsin and is strictly intended for individuals residing in those states. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these specified states.

Annette Hammortree, Registered Representative & Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS), 8010 Excelsior Dr, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53717 (608)828-9800. Securities products/services and advisory services offered through PAS a Registered Broker-Dealer and Investment Advisor. Annette Hammortree, Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of

America

(Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Hammortree Financial Services is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian.

Neither Park Avenue Securities, Guardian, nor their representatives render legal or tax advice. Please consult with your attorney, accountant, and/or tax advisor for advice concerning your particular circumstances.